Maldivian freelancers, businesses and individuals can now receive international payments through PayPal and transfer the funds to Ooredoo’s mFaisaa digital wallet under a newly launched integration between the two platforms.
The service, introduced through Ooredoo Fintech, allows eligible users to link their existing PayPal and mFaisaa accounts. Payments received in US dollars through PayPal can then be transferred to the user’s mFaisaa wallet and accessed locally. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu launched the service at an event held at Barceló Nasandhura today.
The integration addresses a long-standing gap in the Maldives’ digital payment infrastructure. Although Maldivian users have been able to make overseas payments through PayPal, receiving payments and withdrawing the proceeds locally has remained difficult.
The new arrangement is expected to improve access to international payment channels for freelancers, content creators, online businesses and small enterprises serving overseas customers. Tourism operators, including guesthouses and dive schools, may also use the service to receive deposits and booking payments directly from international clients.
Ooredoo Maldives said the service would allow local entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate more easily in international commerce by providing a route to receive US dollar payments and access the funds through mFaisaa.
The integration followed discussions involving the Government, PayPal, Ooredoo and the Maldives Monetary Authority. The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade said the partnership was developed as part of efforts to address regulatory and operational barriers to introducing PayPal’s payment-receiving services in the country.
Speaking at the launch, President Muizzu linked the service to the Government’s Maldives 2.0 digital transformation programme and its Vision 2040 development framework. The Government is targeting a digital economy contribution of at least 15 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030.
The President said the service could support guesthouses seeking deposits from overseas travellers, dive operators accepting international bookings, and Maldivian artisans, developers and other service providers selling to customers abroad.
He also referred to planned financing and microfinancing support for entrepreneurs and the creative sector. A Creator Hub in Malé is scheduled to open on 11 November, while regional facilities are being developed in B. Thulhaadhoo and GDh. Gadhdhoo.
Ooredoo Group Regional Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Al-Naema said the integration was intended to expand access to global digital financial services in the Maldives.
Ooredoo Maldives Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shadi Qawasmi said the service would help entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, freelancers and creators reach markets outside the country.
PayPal Asia-Pacific Vice President and General Manager Amir Valliani said the company’s partnership with Ooredoo Fintech and mFaisaa would support wider access to secure digital payments in the Maldives.
The event was also attended by Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Ooredoo Fintech International Chief Executive Officer Mirko Giacco, senior government officials and representatives of the Maldives Monetary Authority, PayPal and Ooredoo.
